Author's Note: This is set some ways before the events of Nightbane. Basically, I was bored at work and needed to do something to fill my time, so this was the result. Thought The Curator was a little lacking in characterization, so I thought to do a little piece about it...something which was blown way out of proportion in my mind. In any case, here we have it.

A deranged novella of Arkon.

This system has remained idle for 1592 and 74/1728 Watches since last shutdown. Loading sector...checking enchantments. Enchantments verified correct, power sources stable. Direct connections to energy output of Mage-Forge Daral detected and secured, connect Curator interface to Gauntlet system? (Y/N)

Thank you. Integration of Curator interface into Gauntlet systems underway...fusing arcanite filaments...attempting to contact secure test results data server...linking test results data server to the Mistress' private systems via isolated link...complete. Curator version 5 7/12 has been successfully integrated with Gauntlet mechanisms, automated mechanisms have been turned over to Curator interface. Gauntlet has been updated since the last shutdown, view a list of changes to Gauntlet systems? (Y/N)

Thank you. Preparing list...

Lethality of tests adjusted in various sectors of Gauntlet systems in order to allow test subjects more time to acclimatise with their new surroundings and learn more, however this has been balanced with a steeper learning curve relative to the last version of Gauntlet systems. Various poisons and deathtraps have been installed since the last version, others have been changed. Please see the patch notes for a complete list of changes to these Gauntlet sub-systems.

All automated systems which have been designed to be deactivated by the test subjects through the use of physical force will now do so properly upon application of said blunt trauma. This includes, but is not limited to: shock generators, ether cores, bouncy balls and the incredibly alluring lifelike replicant. Some of these systems have been installed with various emotion circuits, especially humour circuits. Emotional responses of subject will now be observed and recorded in accordance with the Mistress' instructions.

Anti-magic aura has been properly updated to correctly block all magic which is not part of Gauntlet systems. In the last series of tests, subjects were able to cheat using self-devised spells which were not identified by Gauntlet systems as outside the bounds of proper testing. This has now been corrected and all attempts to cheat will be punished with a verbal warning on the first and second instances, followed by complete erasure of subject in question if deviate behaviour persists.

It is now reasonably safe to assume that subjects' wings are too weak to provide any useful form of flight. All changes have been duly viewed and approved by the Mistress as per regulation 51 of Gauntlet testing plan for identification of positive traits for inclusion into the Prismatic Dragonflight. Gauntlet systems wishes to remind the user of Curator version 5 7/12 that misuse of Gauntlet systems for personal amusement and/or petty revenge upon the test subjects is strictly prohibited by the Mistress and subject to severe punishment. The workplace is not a toy.

Subject is currently under sedation in holding vault, ethereal signature of subject as well as major vital signs have stabilised. Awaken subject in preparation for testing? (Y/N)

Sedation will continue until otherwise cancelled. Do not disengage enchantments until cancellation of sedation is confirmed; once cancelled, sedatives cannot be re-administered without considerable damage to the subject which will probably rend subject useless for testing purposes.

Request for available data for current subject received. Contacting server...data crystals retrieved from test data server. View file on subject? (Y/N)

Extracting information from data crystal...complete.

Name: T'alzar

Flight: Black

Previous occupation: General menial activity

Additional information: What are you looking at this for, Curator? You should know all this well enough even without looking at it. I'd like the first results of this subject as soon as possible, it's quite annoying that we can only process one at a time and the others working on the Prismatic Dragonflight won't stop. -T'lin.

The rest of this file has been erased and is unreadable. Close? (Y/N)

Closing file...

Primary motivators for subject confirmed: food, sleep, comfort. Aversions: bright lighting, pain. Motivators and aversions of subject are on level one (primal) level. Deviation from expected level: 3/12.

Cease sedation and commence testing? (Y/N)

Confirm action. Remember, once initiated, awakening cannot be cancelled without serious physical damage to the subject. (Y/N)

Thank you. Commencing...